Unfortunately, this book was not the best pick for me. I stopped reading somewhere between one third and halfway through the book. I initially picked this read because the idea of women solving a mystery in era where women were more limited in their choices was intriguing to me. However, the murder for them to solve had yet to happen even this far into the book. The book was mostly about the two women, who they were currently courting, and who they had past relationships with, and how all these relationships could influence their social standings either positively or negatively. The writing style reminded me of Jane Austen books I read years ago. I think fans of her work and readers who enjoy reading about characters navigating that political social structure would enjoy this book.

While this book is part of a series, I did not find it too difficult to figure out who everyone ones. However, if you are reading to see those relationships and social plays happen more than to see the mystery be solved, I think reading the series in order might be important.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Eve Tarrington for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Two Spinsters and a Thief coming out June 1, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Somehow I missed the third book coming out, so I haven’t read it. I was slightly lost in this story. But I really enjoy this series. I think the characters are fun and different. I enjoy the mysteries. I love the time period. I would check out more books in this series!

A wonderful read!
This novel drew me in from the very first page and kept me hooked until the end. The characters were vibrant and relatable, the writing was engaging, and the story had just the right balance of heart and humor. Highly recommend!
Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

I love Regency mysteries so this series was right up my alley. Written in a Jane Austen style (sort of), two women in their late twenties--hence spinsters--who were very different in personality and social position team together to solve some mysteries. Louisa-Margaretta Haddington, beautiful, rich, and self-oriented, took it upon herself to make sure a visiting duke had the house party of his life while he was getting his portrait done. This meant stopping the painting from being stolen as several others of his had been before. Meanwhile, Judith St. Clair, plain, poor daughter of a minster contemplated a marriage proposal. But when someone died and the young women become suspects they must work together to solve the mystery.

I enjoyed the writing and the women's attitudes where in line with the times even if they were a little rebellious. I thought they balanced each other out but sometimes wondered why Judith put up with Louisa who was a bit clueless of life without the money she had. There were storylines that were obviously continued from previous books (which I hadn't read) but could understand. The ending though was a bit disappointing. It left me hanging. The women thought they knew who committed the murder but there was no definite proof, confession or arrest. So I was left with mixed feeling about the book.

Thanks for Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

3.5 Stars
Miss Louisa-Margaretta Haddington is set on repairing her reputation in society. She’s determined to make her first love, Isaac, regret his choice to marry another. Previously an indifferent hostess, she sets about giving a visiting duke the house party of his life while making sure that his prized portrait is not stolen. Miss Judith St Clair, entertaining a marriage proposal that could break up her family, tries not to take on Louisa-Margaretta’s troubles. But when a murder throws the house party into disarray, the local magistrate suspects both young ladies.
The fourth book in the series & I’m still deciding how I feel about Louisa-Margaretta & Judith, I do like their friendship & how they work together but I’m still finding it hard to like Louisa-Margaretta & I do wonder how Judith puts up with her. I did enjoy the mystery & liked the twists & turns plus I didn’t work out who was the villain. A well written interesting cosy mystery
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

Several books into this series, I am still trying to like Louisa-Margaretta and just can’t. I understand that her character is meant to balance out Judith, but I struggle to see why Judith would want to spend time with her. The story overall was a pretty typical cozy mystery with several characters seeming like they could be the “thief”. I have to admit that I got lost a few times and felt like I had missed something both in the mystery and the characters' personal lives. It was nice to see Judith’s sister start to have a side story and friendship, though I am wondering if the next book will take us away from the families to Judith and Louisa-Margaretta’s travels. The ending did leave me curious.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

Eve Tarrington continues to shine in Two Spinsters and a Thief, the fourth book in the Two Spinsters and a Murder Mystery series. With wit, sharp dialogue, and a dash of scandal, this Regency-era mystery offers a delightful blend of social satire and classic whodunnit.

This time, Miss Louisa-Margaretta Haddington is determined to reclaim her status and outshine her romantic rival by throwing a lavish house party at Wycliff Castle. But when a priceless portrait goes missing...and worse, a guest is murdered...the stakes are raised far beyond social embarrassment. Alongside her ever-pragmatic counterpart, Miss Judith St Clair, the two spinsters must unravel the mystery before their reputations (and freedom) are ruined.

What stands out in this installment is the balance between personal tension and investigative plotting. Louisa-Margaretta’s battle between social ambition and emotional vulnerability is both entertaining and relatable, while Judith's quieter arc offers a grounded emotional counterweight. Together, they make a compelling duo—clever, flawed, and utterly endearing.

The mystery itself is well-paced and engaging, filled with red herrings and enough societal commentary to keep fans of both Agatha Christie and Jane Austen satisfied. Tarrington’s prose sparkles with period-appropriate charm, but never gets bogged down in the overly ornamental. The result is a brisk, immersive read that feels both classic and refreshingly modern.

Highly recommended for readers who love historical cozies with strong female leads, rich period detail, and just the right amount of emotional depth beneath the lace and teacups.

I found it difficult to put this book down, not because it was so exciting, but because I was waiting for something exciting to happen, given that it is a mystery novel. It was not until I was almost two-thirds of the way through it that I thought that plot picked up, but even so the mystery was not very mysterious, and the sleuthing details were almost non-existent. The social position of women, and the expectations of Regency society are, however, well considered.
This is book four of a series involving the eponymous heroines and murder mysteries.

(Disclaimer: I received the ARC from the publisher, but this has in no way influenced my review. My thoughts are entirely unbiased and honest.)

I must start this review by admitting that I went into this story blind and with only the summary as my reference on who everyone is.

No surprise that I am loss with most of what's going on but this book managed to hold my attention because of the dialogue.

What I like about regency are the quips that are creatively... offensive haha and this book has that.